English · United States
English-Language Resources — United States
Health system guides and forms for English-speaking foreign residents in the United States.
The United States health system is one of the most complex in the world for newcomers to navigate. Unlike most high-income countries, the US does not have a single national health insurance program for working-age adults. Coverage depends on your employment status, income, age, and immigration status. Most people with jobs receive insurance through their employer; others purchase coverage through the federal or state Health Insurance Marketplace, qualify for Medicaid (the low-income program), or remain uninsured.
As a foreign resident — whether you arrived as a worker, student, investor, or family member — understanding your coverage options and rights is essential. Key rights include the right to emergency care regardless of insurance or immigration status, the right to a qualified medical interpreter at no cost at any federally funded facility, and the right to apply for hospital financial assistance before a bill goes to collections. The guides in this section explain each of these systems in plain English without assuming prior familiarity with US healthcare.
911 — ambulance, fire, police (source: 911.gov, NENA)
988 — Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, call or text 24/7 (source: 988lifeline.org, SAMHSA)
1-800-222-1222 — Poison Control (source: poisoncontrol.org, AAPCC)
Language access rights
Under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, any healthcare facility that receives federal funding — which includes virtually every hospital, clinic, and community health center — must provide qualified interpreter services at no cost to patients with limited English proficiency. You do not need to pay for an interpreter, and you should not be asked to use a family member or friend to interpret during a clinical appointment. If you are denied an interpreter, you can file a complaint with the HHS Office for Civil Rights.
Guides
US Healthcare Guides — 28 plain-language guides covering insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, emergencies, prescriptions, and more. Guides are coming in Batch U2.
Forms
US Medical Forms — 9 Languages — reference translations of standard US medical and administrative forms. Forms coming in Batch U4.
Japan section in English
If you are also looking for information about Japan's healthcare system, the Japan English resources page covers NHI enrollment, the 30% copay system, emergency care, and consultation forms for residents in Japan.
Last reviewed: September 2026